Smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning in British Columbia is making its way across Western Canada, and even into the United States.
On Tuesday morning, Environment Canada issued air quality advisories for west of Edmonton all the way to the Alberta-B.C. border, including the communities of Hinton, Rocky Mountain House, Whitecourt, Spruce Grove and Jasper National Park.
FireSmoke Canada’s interactive map shows heavy clouds of smoke moving across central and southern Alberta, into the southern portion of Saskatchewan and the very southwest corner of Manitoba.
Washington and Montana may also see some smoke drift across the northern part of the two states.
Late Monday afternoon, Alberta Health Services issued a precautionary air quality advisory for the entire Edmonton Zone of AHS.
AHS said air quality was expected to be variable over the next few days and possibly weeks because of the wildfires burning in B.C.
According to AHS, although minor smoke conditions do not typically cause health concerns in healthy individuals, if smoke conditions become more severe, even healthy individuals may experience temporary irritation of eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath.
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The agency says anyone suffering from symptoms should stay inside with windows, doors and air circulation fans closed.
The agency recommends people with existing respiratory conditions, existing heart conditions, infants and children seven and under, people over 65, pregnant women and smokers take precautions anytime there is wildfire smoke in the area.
Those who are at-risk are urged to limit exposure to smoke by:
- Staying indoors, with the windows closed, whenever possible
- Reduce indoor pollution like smoke from tobacco, wood-burning stoves or burning candles
- Using high-efficiency (HEPA) air filters when possible
- Avoid vacuuming
- Keep windows in the car closed and turn on the air conditioning to re-circulate
- Drinking plenty of water
Anyone having a severe medical emergency from the smoke should call 911 when available, or get to the closest emergency room immediately.
Fires in B.C. have forced more than 10,000 people from their homes. Premier Rachel Notley announced Monday that Alberta will be sending firefighters to help battle the blazes.
-With files from The Canadian Press.
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